iLok question.

  • Thread starter Thread starter fuzzsniffvoyage
  • Start date Start date
fuzzsniffvoyage

fuzzsniffvoyage

Well-known member
So I am wanting some VST's that will only run with an iLok device. It looks and sounds like a USB key with some software on it to manage your licenses. It seems quite expensive considering you can get a 8gb USB for 20 bucks or less. Is there a legitimate way to do the same thing with your own USB key or are we stuck with the iLok?

I also seen a iLok on evil bay for like 18 bucks, would you buy a opened one from a 3rd party?

And if I do get the iLok, does it work okay in a USB Hub? All my USB ports are full on my pc.
 
Should work fine on a hub. And you have to use the iLok. A lot of people complain about it, but I have not had one issue with mine. And the setup is painless if you follow the directions. I wouldnt by a used one.
 
You can't use a used one, at least not without a lot of hassle.

When you plug in a split new Ilok and register it to your ilok account, you have a short grace period, within which you can decide to remove that ilok and assign it to a different account.

If that grade period has expired, the ilok 'belongs' to whatever account it was registered too.

I did buy mine as opened but unused and there was no problem, but I only did that cos it was super cheap.

There's no legitimate alternative with most software manufacturers, but look into it for your specific software.
Some manufacturers offer a challenge/response authorisation which would be fine if you want to be tied to one computer.

Also, Waves have now ditched the ilok and moved to a cloud system.
You can have their license on your computer/hard drive/flash drive now if you want.

I think other providers may follow this way, but that's only my hunch.
Based on that, I personally wouldn't sign up for an ilok, but take that with a pinch of salt.

Never had a problem with a hub.
 
Okay, thanks. The one I seen on evil bay for like 18 bucks says, new, never used or registered, not in original packaging.

For that price I think I'll give it a try, but for 50.........I don't think so.
 
My policy is "just say no". I have yet to find any iLok-protected software without adequate alternatives that are not licensed using such a brain-damaged scheme. Thus, I vote with my wallet and encourage other people to do so.

Hardware dongles are easy to lose, and when that happens, you've permanently lost all the software that is keyed to that dongle. Think about a tiny $5 piece of electronics being the only thing standing between you and several thousand worth of software, and a failure or loss becomes a very expensive proposition. It's not worth the risk to me.

Also, remember that by buying an iLok and software that uses it, you're actively encouraging these publishers to continue this stupidity. Even if you have no other reason to avoid it, that should be a good enough reason. :)
 
dgatwood said:
My policy is "just say no". I have yet to find any iLok-protected software without adequate alternatives that are not licensed using such a brain-damaged scheme. Thus, I vote with my wallet and encourage other people to do so.

Hardware dongles are easy to lose, and when that happens, you've permanently lost all the software that is keyed to that dongle. Think about a tiny $5 piece of electronics being the only thing standing between you and several thousand worth of software, and a failure or loss becomes a very expensive proposition. It's not worth the risk to me.

Also, remember that by buying an iLok and software that uses it, you're actively encouraging these publishers to continue this stupidity. Even if you have no other reason to avoid it, that should be a good enough reason. :)
Click to expand...

I gotta agree with you dgatwood.

I wish AVID would ditch the ilok. I fookin hate them.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top